While they may not be quite as comfortable as Bose's ultrapopular QC 15 headphones, the Harman Kardon NCs offer slightly better sound and have a built-in rechargeable battery to power the active noise-cancellation circuitry.

The Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones are a fine choice for frequent fliers who want to be enveloped in their music rather than the drone of outside noise. However, earring-wearers should steer clear.

The AKG K390 Noise-Canceling earphones offer a sleek-looking design and two types of noise-hushing capabilities, but the high price tag and inconvenient noise-canceling module may be a turnoff for some.